The privately held company has been opening more retail stores around the globe to counteract weakness in its wholesale channel, where big department stores like Macy's and discounters such as Target Corp had cut back on orders.

You're clearly seeing the strength in the wholesale channel start to come back, said Chief Financial Officer Blake Jorgensen during a conference call.

After improving its product styles in recent years, the company has been working with its large department store customers to improve displays. Executives also cited signs of improved sales in its Dockers division, which emphasizes khaki clothing, and strength in its Levi's brand.

Net profit in Levi Strauss's first quarter grew to $56 million, from $48 million in the year-ago quarter.